On Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, the Executive Director of the Armenian-Thai Chamber of Commerce participated in the courtesy call organized by the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) with His Excellency Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Thailand . The meeting at the Pakdi Bodin Building, Government House, brought together 32 Foreign Chambers Presidents, Executive Directors and Secretary Generals for a productive dialogue on strengthening public-private collaboration to drive Thailand’s economic future.
Strategic Priorities for Thailand’s Competitiveness
JFCCT Chairwoman Vibeke Lyssand Leirvåg, commenced the session by introducing the organization’s collaborative efforts with the Foreign Chamber, active partnerships with SMEs, conglomerates, and international business groups. She underscored the significance of the meeting by noting that 32 foreign chambers were present, serving as the collective voice of international investors and businesses operating in Thailand. The JFCCT is committed to working closely with key government agencies, including the Board of Investment (BOI), the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) office, and the Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI).
She acknowledged the “goodwill and great effort” by H.E Prime Minister Anutin’s government has demonstrated in fostering public-private collaboration since taking office. Chair Vibeke outlined the JFCCT’s core focus areas, which include deliberation on regulatory reform, ICT, productivity enhancement, economic growth, next phase digital governance, service liberalization, future workforce development, tourism, education, inter-agency cooperation, SME support, sustainability, and enhancing business opportunities. She highlighted critical priorities for foreign businesses: OECD accession, fast-track regulatory reform, and the anticipated EU EFTA resolutions and work in progress MOUs with US tariff harmonization agreements to promote trade with Thailand. She concluded by affirming the foreign business community’s readiness to participate actively in Thailand’s development journey.
Government’s Comprehensive Commitment
Prime Minister Anutin affirmed that private sector’s input and the foreign business component is an important factor in building a strong, resilient Thai economy ready for future changes. Supported by a high-level panel including Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Bowornsak Uwanno, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkaew, Deputy Minister of Commerce; Ms. Kirida Bhaopichitr, Secretary-General to the Prime Minister; Ms. Traisulee Traisaranakul, and Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI) Mr. Narit Therdsteerasak.
The Prime Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting SMEs, pushing forward FTAs, accelerating OECD membership processes, and eliminating unnecessary regulations. The government will leverage digital technology to increase business agility, create a transparent and competitive environment, attract investment, and foster long-term economic growth.
Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Borwornsak delivered his personal commitments for hands-on project management of regulatory reform, with four major ministries to complete essential processes and harmonization. Significantly, the Prime Minister announced Thailand is looking forward to host a forthcoming roundtable OECD summit, marking a major milestone in international economic integration for the business community.
Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Mr. Sihasak Phuangketkeow emphasized readiness to assist the business council in promoting opportunities, digital optimization, and raising Thailand’s economic influence globally. Dr. Kirida Bhaopichitr, Deputy Minister of Commerce and head of TDRI, who has maintained close relations with the JFCCT community, participated actively, addressing US tariffs and EFTA MOUs while highlighting collaboration between the Department of Business Development (DBD) Academy and SME subsidy programs for skills upgrading, logistics reform, and a 10-sector liberalization agenda.
The BOI Secretary General Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi outlined support for SMEs through sustainable projects, upskilling programs, and new mechanisms for BOI-registered companies including streamlined licensing, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT) provisions, and visa facilitation.
On behalf of JFCCT ICT Committee Chair Bob Fox raised questions about the regulatory guillotine initiative from 2016, emphasizing the business community’s readiness to continue working with government. Dr. Kirida added a fitting and positive note that ongoing EFTA-EEC MOU negotiations require substantial regulatory reform to align domestic standards internationally and the process is moving forward with purpose and according to parallel timelines.
Concluding Commitments
Prime Minister Anutin reiterated his government’s readiness to listen to JFCCT and foreign business community’s recommendations and proposals, facilitate stakeholder needs. He pledged to accommodate every effort to improve ease of doing business for both domestic and overseas enterprises, laying the groundwork for continuous improvement and development of Thailand’s economic landscape, especially in raising competitiveness and productivity.
The meeting concluded with a group photo and presentation of tokens of appreciation, demonstrating the strong partnership between Thailand’s government and the international business community.
About the JFCCT
The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand is an umbrella organization representing numerous foreign chambers. Its mission is to promote trade and foreign investment, encourage skills development, and contribute to the Thai economy through collaboration with government and private sectors.
Photos courtesy of JFCCT and ThaiGov portals
